This passage reflects the ups and downs of theater in different ethnic groups and explores the events that correlate with the rising and falling of its popularity. The arrival of ethnic theater dates back to the very founding of the country. With the different territories and lands the country gained, different theater companies and styles were inherited as well. These early theaters were often condemned by the locals being seen as sinful or radical or even from their own ethnic community wishing to prevent antagonizing the communities. This sentiment remained until the early 1900s when immigration to the United States began to increase.
This increase in immigrants brought a whole new popularity to ethnic theater. Those who were not accepted fully into American society gained an outlet in which they could be accepted. The theater provided a window into tales from different homelands for those who were illiterate. Theaters also integrated English words, phrases, and slang into their productions which would help accustom immigrants to American lifestyle. Women could also gain respect and recognition in the theater, which was unlikely in other fields at the time. The ethnic theaters were also a necessity for entertainment. Immigrants were exposed to poor working conditions with small pay as well as discrimination. The theater was a fantastic way for them to take their minds off of their cruel reality and focus on fantasy. Comedies could build up their confidence, and tragedies could relieve stress.
Although important to the ever expanding culture of America, Ethnic theater would once again experience a decline in popularity. This decrease correlated to the decrease of immigrants arriving in America and the Americanization of the existing immigrant families. Other modern pastimes emerged to replace the theater, such as radio, movies, and television. Ethnic theater would not reemerge again until the civil rights movement.
The civil rights movement brought awareness to black culture and in turn to the cultures of other ethnic groups. This time the theater emphasized their messages of discrimination within mainstream theater, and they used personal experiences to set the tone of their performances. Rather than a getaway for their ethnic groups, the theater became a way to spread awareness of culture and the need for acceptance.
This increase in immigrants brought a whole new popularity to ethnic theater. Those who were not accepted fully into American society gained an outlet in which they could be accepted. The theater provided a window into tales from different homelands for those who were illiterate. Theaters also integrated English words, phrases, and slang into their productions which would help accustom immigrants to American lifestyle. Women could also gain respect and recognition in the theater, which was unlikely in other fields at the time. The ethnic theaters were also a necessity for entertainment. Immigrants were exposed to poor working conditions with small pay as well as discrimination. The theater was a fantastic way for them to take their minds off of their cruel reality and focus on fantasy. Comedies could build up their confidence, and tragedies could relieve stress.
Although important to the ever expanding culture of America, Ethnic theater would once again experience a decline in popularity. This decrease correlated to the decrease of immigrants arriving in America and the Americanization of the existing immigrant families. Other modern pastimes emerged to replace the theater, such as radio, movies, and television. Ethnic theater would not reemerge again until the civil rights movement.
The civil rights movement brought awareness to black culture and in turn to the cultures of other ethnic groups. This time the theater emphasized their messages of discrimination within mainstream theater, and they used personal experiences to set the tone of their performances. Rather than a getaway for their ethnic groups, the theater became a way to spread awareness of culture and the need for acceptance.